They would ask me what actors I saw in the roles. I would tell them, and they’d say “Oh that’s interesting.” And that would be the end of it.
--Elmore Leonard, in 2000, on the extent of his input for Hollywood's adaptation of his novels

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Shamron Moore's "Hollywood Strip"

Shamron Moore became fascinated with Hollywood at a young age; she counts Ava Gardner, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, and Sharon Tate among early influences. In 2000, she left her home state of Michigan for the excitement of Los Angeles.

She started her career with a national print campaign for Cadillac and went on to appear in national commercials, international publications, television shows, and feature films. FHM named her one of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World.

Shortly thereafter, she left the industry to focus on writing, one of her lifelong passions. Many of her experiences in L.A. served as inspiration for Hollywood Strip, her debut novel.

Here Moore dreamcasts an adaptation of Hollywood Strip:

The two most important qualities an actress should possess in order to portray Callie Lambert is a.) vulnerability and b.) a sense of humor. When I first saw Emma Stone in Crazy, Stupid, Love, I was impressed with her comedic timing and the fact that she’s an incredibly well-rounded actress. For these reasons, she gets my vote as Hollywood Strip’s leading lady. Looks wise, she isn’t spot-on, but I value attitude more than physical resemblance.

Evan Marquardt is a blend of charm and smarm. He has the morals of a wolf, but he’s so handsome and charismatic, it’s easy to forget how self-centered he is. You cannot help but be sucked into his web--and he weaves a very seductive web. I picture Robin Thicke, Michael Bublé, or Ryan Gosling as Evan.

A former friend of mine inspired the scandalous Candice Boyd. Candice is vampy, brash, and uninhibited. Her whole vibe is one of unapologetic va-va-voom and Megan Fox--or possibly Mila Kunis--would be a fine choice.

Tyler Bragg doesn’t just walk into a room, he prances into it, followed by a stream of fireworks. He’s outrageous, witty, and most of all, fun. He has this lightness of spirit that’s contagious. Chris Colfer comes to mind, but I’m not sure if he’s saucy enough.

The character I have the hardest time figuring out is Gabrielle Manx. Gabby isn’t just a tall, jiggly blonde; she’s very introspective and bright with the susceptibility of a wounded baby bird. She must have a commanding physical presence. If you combined Charlize Theron, Sharon Tate, and Jayne Mansfield, you could quite possibly have the recipe for Gabby Manx.

“Compared to a novel, a film is like an economy pizza where there are no olives, no ham, no anchovies, no mushrooms, and all you’ve got is the dough.”
--Louis de Bernières, author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin